The 12 Best Teeth Whiteners to Tackle Tough Stains

Teeth whiteners are an easy, convenient way to brighten your teeth a few shades, but they can also work under the enamel to remove built-up staining.

If you’re looking for long-lasting results, Bianca Velayo, DMD of Green Valley Smiles Dentistry, recommends looking for peroxide-based products if you’re hoping to whiten tooth enamel.

You can opt for either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide as both will reverse internal and external stains on teeth, she notes.

But Dr. Velayo adds that while a peroxide-based treatment is your best bet for a long-lasting treatment,

how well the product works will come down to the concentration of the peroxide, how long you use it, and how it’s applied.

To find the best teeth whiteners, we tested over 50 products in our lab and are continually testing at home.

We’ve narrowed down our list of top products by following expert guidance and ranking each option based on criteria

such as convenience, comfort, effectiveness, and overall value.

An orthodontist on our Medical Expert Board also reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy.

Key Ingredients to Look for in Teeth Whitening Kits

The most common ingredient in teeth whitening kits is peroxide, either hydrogen or carbamide.

These ingredients work to remove stains both on the surface of teeth and on deeper layers. In addition to these ingredients,

you’ll also want to look for a few others that can help ease the after-effects of whitening, which can be painful for sensitive teeth.

Dr. Velayo recommends also looking for potassium nitrate, fluoride, and/or xylitol because they can minimize sensitivity.

It’s worth noting that an ingredient making its way into whitening kits lately is PAP (or phthalimido-peroxy-caproic acid),

which should be avoided. According to Edmond R. Hewlett,

DDS, Professor at UCLA School of Dentistry, unlike hydrogen peroxide, PAP may lead to lingering sensitivity.